This guide was prepared for transplant patients by transplant patients. The term "Transplant Patient" is meant to include both the candidate and the recipient. In some cases it may include a living donor, related or unrelated. Its goal is to give you and your family some idea of the resources that are available to you and where you can go for more help and information. It should be regarded as a supplement to your most important resource, your transplant team. We encourage and urge you to ask your team any questions you may have. Chances are very good that you are not the first person with your particular problem or inquiry, and the team can draw on the experiences of many patients to help you. Always use your transplant team as your principal source for medical information.

This guide is not intended to be an "everything you've always wanted to know" source for transplantation information. The subject is far too complex and evolutionary to be covered in one place. Transplant technology is advancing rapidly; the answers you get today won't fit the questions you have tomorrow. The information in this guide was compiled from a variety of sources, especially including our own experiences. This guide is not a directory of everything that is available, so please don't limit yourself to the resources in these pages. Use the guide as a starting point to begin to learn more about transplantation and to open your mind to the options and resources available to you. If it helps one of you through your transplant in any way, it will have been well worth our effort.

If you've received your transplant, congratulations; Make sure you always take your meds. And please remember, your donor family is waiting for your "thank you" letter or note, and an annual follow up status letter or note. If you're waiting, hang in there and keep a good attitude! TRANSPLANTATION WORKS! Good luck and our best wishes to all.

This is the first edition of the guide. We had the advantage of learning from the TRIO New England and the TRIO Chicago Chapters, and thank them for that help. We already have ideas for improvement. Your input will help us make the next edition better, so please let us know if you find errors or note something that should be changed, added, or deleted. Please use the comments section of the registration, or please call anytime:

VOICE: 703-920-TRIO / 703-920-8746
FAX: 703-534-7759

OR

E-MAIL: tai01@aol.com and/or superday@aol.com

OR

Nation's Capital Area Chapter
Transplant Recipients International Organization
Resource Guide
P.O. Box 7633
Arlington, VA 22207-7633

Disclaimer: This guide does not provide medical advice, nor does it promote, endorse, or recommend any product, therapy, or institution. You should exercise due diligence when dealing with any of the service providers listed, as you would in any other new business arrangement. Excellent communication between the patient and all the medical providers is considered absolutely necessary in this medical environment. Good communication cannot be overemphasized.

Prices shown for various references are the latest information that we had at the time of publication. We strongly suggest that you verify these prices before ordering any item.